The year of the Sheep 2015

Contact Teresa Bellmaine at Shola Consulting sholacounselling@gmail.com for more information

Do you know what chinese animal year you were born in?

The birth rate falls in China in a Sheep year as they are said to be an animal that is led to slaughter. I think this is unfair as you will see that Sheep year people have a lot going for them!`

“I am a passive onlookerI let bygones be bygonesGoodness brings me fortuneI believe in the human raceI understand the meaning of givingMy cup is never emptyI am loyal and just and in others I trustI AM THE SHEEP.”

2015 is Year of the Blue Wood Sheep. The first day of Sheep Year is on February 4, 2015 in China Standard Time and lasts until February 7th 2016. This day is not the Chinese New Year Day. Chinese Horoscope signs are determined by the Chinese Astrology Stem-Branch Calendar. The first day of the Chinese astrology year is the first day of the Tiger month. That is theStart of Spring, it is the time when the sun enters the 315th degree on the tropical zodiac. The Start of Spring is the first day of the Tiger month and in China Standard Time is at 12:00 noon on February 4, 2015. If a baby was born on February 5, 2015, then it is a Sheep baby. The 19th February, tomorrow; is when the Chinese Spring Festival is celebrated.

The Chinese Lunar Calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, and is constructed in a different way than the Western solar calendar. In the Chinese calendar, the beginning of the year falls somewhere between late January and early February. So don’t assume that it always starts on the day the Chinese New Year is celebrated. The lunar year has twelve moons and each moon lasts for just over twenty-nine and a half days. In order to make the days in each moon full days, there are six ‘small’ months which have twenty-nine days each and six larger months which have thirty days each, making a total of 354 days, eleven days short of the solar calendar. Occasionally the length of the Chinese years changes and there may be either seven ‘small’ months (a total of 353 days), or sometimes seven ‘large’ months (a total of 355 days).

As each year passes, the lunar calendar usually falls short of the solar year by ten to twelve days, so in order to bring the lunar calendar in line with the solar calendar an extra month is added at roughly three-year intervals. The Chinese have adopted the Western calendar since 1911, but the lunar calendar is still used for festive occasions such as the Chinese New Year or when Chinese horoscope is used. Many Chinese calendars will print both the solar dates and the Chinese lunar dates.

Ancient Chinese people had the skill to calculate the history of five thousand years and record the chronological sequence of events. They invented a measurement by two sets of signs in a certain sequence – Jikkan Junnishi, meaning 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly branches; As early as about 2700BC. Chinese astrology bears a close relation with Chinese Taoist Philosophy and the theory of three harmonies of heaven, earth and water. It is also used with Feng Shui and the I Ching. The 10 Heavenly stems and 12 Earthly branches were used together to create a cycle of 60 two-symbol combinations. The complex calendar is called the sexagenarian cycle. They represent a cyclical concept of time, rather than the Western linear concept of time. The 10 Heavenly Stems represent the Yin-Yang principles of wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. The 12 Earthly branches are the 12 animals signs: The Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Serpent, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Phenoix, Dog and Boar.

As well as the years, other chronological elements including months, days, and hours are also assigned to these 12 animal symbols. The symbols are also used to note the time of day and directions. For example: The period between 11pm and 1am corresponds roughly to the hour of the Rat and points North. The Horse is the two hour interval from 11am to 1pm and points South. So if you were born in 1981, You are a Silver Pheonix, Your rising sign would be the animal that rules the hours of your birth. Your Earthly branch element is Metal and Feminine Yin energy, your symbol is a kettle. (This is the Four pillars of life or the Ba-Zi)

The Twelve Chinese Animal Year Signs: “This is the animal that resides in your heart” (a traditional chinese saying).

RAT: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Yang Saggitarius
People born in the Year of the Rat are noted for their charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. Rat people are easily angered and love to gossip. Their ambitions are big, and they are usually very successful. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox.

OX: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 Yin Capricorn
People born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend, however, to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily. They have fierce tempers and although they speak little, when they do they are quite eloquent. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Serpent, Pheonix, and Rat people.

TIGER:1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 Yang Aquarius
Tiger people are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great sympathy. They can be extremely short-tempered, however. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. sometimes Tiger people cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous and powerful. Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs

HARE: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 Yin Pisces
People born in the Year of the Hare are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Hare people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Hare people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Boar, and Dog.

DRAGON:1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 Yang Aries
People born in the Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and stubborn. They are also honest, sensitive, brave, and they inspire confidence and trust. Dragon people are the most eccentric of any in the eastern zodiac. They neither borrow money nor make flowery speeches, but they tend to be soft-hearted which sometimes gives others an advantage over them. They are compatible with Rat, Monkey, and Pheonix.

SERPENT:1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 Yin Taurus
People born in the Year of the Serpent are deep. They say little and possess great wisdom and are usually philosphical and spiritual. They never have to worry about money; they are financially fortunate. Serpent people are often quite vain, selfish, and a bit stingy. Yet they have tremendous sympathy for others and try to help those less fortunate. Serpent people tend to overdo, since they have doubts about other people’s judgment and prefer to rely on themselves. They are determined in whatever they do and hate to fail. Although calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate and can be moody. Serpent peoplehave a mysterious charm and are usually good-looking with a fine taste for fashion. They sometimes have martial problems because they are fickle. They are most compatible with the Ox, Monkey and Pheonix.

HORSE:1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 Yang Gemini
People born in the Year of the Horse are popular. They are cheerful, skillful with money, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. The are wise, talented, good with their hands, and sometimes have a weakness for members of the opposite sex. They are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are very independent and rarely listen to advice. They are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.

SHEEP:1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027 Yin Cancer
People born in the Year of Sheep are elegant and highly accomplished in the arts. They seem to be, at first glance, better off than those born in the zodiac’s other years. But the Sheep is often shy, pessimistic, and puzzled about life. They are usually deeply religious, yet timid by nature. Sometimes clumsy in speech, they are always passionate about what they do and what they believe in. Sheep people never have to worry about having the best in life for their abilities make money for them, and they are able to enjoy the creature comforts that they like. This is fortunate as there is an old Chinese saying that “Sheep eat paper”, meaning they like to spend money on the latest fashion and fripperies! Sheep people are wise, gentle, and compassionate. They are compatible with Rabbits, Boars, and Horses.

MONKEY:1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 Yang Leo
People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn’t be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. They are most compatible with the Dragon,Serpent and Rat.

PHEONIX: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 Yin Virgo
People born in the Year of the Pheonix are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. People born in the Pheonix Year are often a bit eccentric, and often have rather difficult relationship with others. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Pheonix people’s emotions like their fortunes, swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. They are most compatible with Ox, Serpent, and Dragon. Sometimes Pheonix is translated into Rooster or Chicken. The term Pheonix is a more spirtual translation as those born in this year have potential for personal transformation.
When the spiritual journey of evolution and transformation becomes to hard, they may revert to the role of Rooster or Chicken.

DOG:1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 Yang Libra
People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people´s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. Dogs born at night are alert and and on the lookout for any intruders or trouble! They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Hare.

BOAR:1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 Yin Scorpio
Studious and gallant with tremendous inner strength. Will not retreat from goals. Quiet, but always well informed. Chooses few friends, but is kind, affectionate and loyal for life. Compatible with Dog, Hares and Sheep.

12 Zodiac Signs and Time, This will give your Rising Sign:

RAT: 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. This is the time Rats find food. Rat qualities are a quick mind, a good bargainer, and a natural charmer. This influence of time gives the foresight to plan, invest wisely, and not be confused or duped by others.

OX: 1 to 3 a.m. This is the time that oxen ruminate. Qualities are steadiness, perseverance and determination. This influence gives the strength to work hard, value family, and accomplish things for the common good.

TIGER: 3 to 5 a.m. Tigers hunt prey and display their fiercest nature. Tiger qualities are vigor, leadership and courage. This time influence gives the talent to dazzle, have many friends, and relate well to different types of people.

HARE: 5 to 7 a.m. Based on tales, the jade Hare on the moon was busy pounding medicinal herb with a pestle. Hare qualities are friendliness, diplomacy and adaptability. This influence gives the grace to be kind, gentle and soft spoken.

DRAGON: 7 to 9 a.m.Dragons were said to hover in the sky at that time to give people rainfall.
Dragon qualities are power, passion and drive. This influence adds intensity to life and drama and excitement to relationships, and it can also bring opportunities to travel.

SERPENT: 9 to 11 a.m.Serpents start to leave their burrows. Serpent qualities are Wisfdom, mystery and sensuality. This influence brings the gifts of patience, intuition and understanding of the human psyche.

HORSE: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The day is flourishing with the sun high above. Other animals are lying down for a rest while the unconstrained horse is still vigorous. Horse qualities are good humour, friendliness, and a carefree attitude. This influence gives joy to the popular and well liked, an adventuresome spirit and a dash of daring.

SHEEP: 1 to 3 p.m. It was said that if sheep ate grass at this time, they would grow stronger.
Sheep qualities are gentleness, compassionand love of the good life. This influence brings an artistic , inventively creative and peaceful overtone to the personality.

MONKEY: 3 to 5 p.m. Monkeys become lively. Monkey qualities are a quick wit, many talents and lack of inhibition. This influence enables one to succeed at a variety of occupations, get the best deal and be witty and charming.

PHEONIX: 5 to 7 p.m. Pheonix return to their roost as it is dark. Pheonix qualities are keen judgement, good planning and sharp perception. This influence brings the ability to handle money well, be sceptical or suspicious where necessary and to work hard to acheive success.

DOG: 7 to 9 p.m.Dogs begin to carry out their duty to guard entrances. Dog qualities are honesty, idealism, and unselfishness. This influence gives the ability to be a true friend, a trusted soul and guided by high moral principles.

BOAR: 9 to 11 p.m.All is quiet and Boars are sleeping soundly. Boar qualitites are a peaceful nature, optimism and sensitivity. This influence brings the knack to enjoy life, easily share with others and find contentment.

If you are born right on the hour when the rising sign changes, you may get a bit of both signs. But the Yang animals influence will take precedence. So the Rising sign can compensate or enhance your animal year sign. For instance someone who is born in the Sheep year will be more outgoing and confident if born in the hours of the Horse. The Fire horse year occurs only once every 72 years, when fire combines with the Horse. the last one once 1966. People born during the year of the Fire Horse are notorious for being bad luck. People born during a Fire Horse years are said to be irresponsible, rebellious, and overall bad news. (1966 age 48) And for some reason, women are said to be especially dangerous Fire Horses. They supposedly sap their family’s finances, neglect their children, and drive their father and husband to an early grave!!

This myth is so powerful that it seriously affects how people behave in China. Men might avoid marrying a Fire Horse, and families avoid giving birth to Fire Horse children.

What do you think? Do these people fit the Fire Horse description?
Does anyone here want to own up to being born in a Fire Horse year?! Is it true??

The five elements can be regarded as the symbols of the five planets, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire Earth corresponding to Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Saturn. They are thought to be the ruling planets or elements affecting the compatibility between two astrological Chinese signs.

(The Heavenly creatures are the four directions: West is White tiger, East is Green Dragon, North is Black Tortoise, South is Red Pheonix and Central is Yellow Dragon.
Yang is masculine, Yin is Feminine.)
(Earth rules the last transitional 18 days of each season)

Earth Nurtures Metal because metal ores are mined from deep in the earth.

Metal Nurtures Water, beacuse water is contained in metal vessels.

Water Nurtures Wood, because watering trees makes them grow.

Wood Nurtures fire because feeding wooden logs to a fire makes more of a blaze.

Incompatible Elements: Third Slide:

Fire melts Metal which weakens it. So a Metal year person may struggle for power with one born in a fire year.

Earth blocks Water, as in Dams. So a Person born in a Water year may feel blocked by one born in an Earth year.

Metal axes chop wood, kills it. so one born in a Wood year could be hurt by one born in a Metal year.

Water puts out Fire, so a person born in a Fire year could be restricted by one born in a Water year.

Wood extracts nutrients from Earth to grow, which depletes Earth. So a Earth person could feel hindered by one born in a Wood year.

The Animal Harmony Triads are as follows:

Rat, Dragon, Monkey.

Ox, Serpent, Pheonix.

Tiger, Horse, Dog.

Hare, sheep, Boar.

If you know about astrology, when you look at the wheel of animals signs the compatabilties are the same as the Trine in the astrological wheel, an opposition chanllenging

So the twelve Chinese Horoscope signs rule over years, seasons, months, days and hours. When an animal rules over a year it is more powerful than when it rules over a season or month. When an animal rules over a month or season it is more powerful than when it rules over a day and an hour. Let’s see how this works:

Let’s say its Monday. July 28, 2008
Let’s find the rulers for this day..

Year 2008 is ruled by the Rat.
It is Summer and the rulers for this season are the Horse, the Sheep and the Monkey.
It is July so the ruler for this month is the Sheep.
It is Monday and the ruler for this day is the Sheep.

So this day (28/7/2008) is ruled by:
– The Rat which is the most powerful ruler since it rulers over the year.
– The Sheep which follows as a ruler of the month and the specific date.
– The Horse and the Monkey which are less powerful during that date, since they are season rulers.

For example, if you wanted to sign a contract You could choose a Rat or Horse day in the hours of the Pheonix, between 5pm to 7pm as a good time. This would also have the gentle compassion of the sheep, Ruler of the Month and the Rat; Ruler of the year bringing in their influence.

The 2015 year of the Water Sheep is the Eighth Earthly Branch year and is the second Heavenly Stems year, it is a Yi Wei year, with Yin energy. This is the thirty-second cycle in the sixty-year cycle of the Chinese astrology’s Heavenly stems and Earth branches cycle. In china Eight is the number of good fortune. The Eighth Earthly branch of the Sheep year symbolizes good fortune, peace and abundance and harmonious co-existence; there is a gentle, artistic quality to it. This year is composed of “Wooden Sheep” year, “Earth Tiger” month, “Metal Boar” day and “Wooden Horse” hour. The month and day both connect and conflict. The period between 1984 and 2043 (totaling 60 years) is “Fire-Wind Urn”, the year 2015 is “Mountain-Thunder Yi” this stands for Transition.

The 2015 Yi Wei year symbolizes inspiration, respect, honesty, freedom to express opinion and experiment with new ideas. Perceive the 2015 year as a Sheep kingdom where it has absolute power but where it is obligated to do it’s best for the good of others. In other words, the 2015 year of Sheep is a well-centered and dependable year. Whether you agree or not with the events around you in the 2015 Sheep year, it takes what is supposed belong to it.

It relates to passive and nurturing times. it will help the healing process with regard to past events caused by individuals who have little respect for the human race or life itself.
It will be a year of banding together in faith and in belief that good will prevail and win out over the forces that refuse to comply to a peaceful way of life. For those who trust in goodness, happiness and success will follow.

The emphasis will be on joining forces in order to fight the evil and destruction that has been brewing. (IS?) With Saturn in Scorpio and Pluto’s long stay in Capricorn, there will greater concern with structure, getting back to basics and using greater intuition to find solutions that have been plaguing the world for some time. Although there has been sabre rattling, the calming vapours of the Sheep spreads over nations. The balance of International economy and social harmony is peace, sentiments will be kindled and wisdom will prevail. Fate will send emissaries to change the faces of aggression towards a more peaceful compromise. It does not kill the doubts, anger or desire for violence, but it puts a blanket of constraint over it. This will apply among family members and economic rivals. Anger will cool and decisions that disrupt harmony will be laid aside and given time to heal. It is a time to instil loyalty and discipline. For those who wish to be aggressive, expect to be out-manouvered by strategy and common sense.

What is of value now is intimacy, family and close friendships. We can be more caring, kind and sensitive with each other. Develop a gentle heart, open to love and acceptance on all levels. A year for mending fences and broken promises with family Sheep sign rules the arts, so in a Sheep year it’s good to express your creative side. Now is the time for art, creativity and cultivation of beauty. If you ever wanted to explore your creative side, this is your year. Travel is hightlighted, and relaxing holidays. It is a time to slow down life’s hectic pace. However, such refined beauty and elegance is expensive, so there is a need to be careful that debts do not build up!

The aura of the Sheep year will gradually radiate its way to all. The most turbulent times will be during the period of the Dragon, which is from the Vernal Equinox on March 20th until April 20th. Then especially during the period of the Ox, where a grave threat will raise it’s ugly head. This will be from the Winter Solstice on 22nd December to 20th January 2016.

2014 Was a Horse year of conflicts and misunderstanding due to the dominant Fire element. Sheep year is a time to heal after the chaos of 2014′s Horse year. It is a time to water and nurture, this makes wood grow:-) Make plans, revise and tidy up and may be prune your life, house, career or business. The energy of wood, representing the economy starts to flower, things are starting to improve after the recession. Wood industries involving paper, architecture, food, fashion, eductation and natural products will do well as long as they know what their customers want. Business involving Fire, will do well things like electronics, tech, power industries, military and defense and the arts. Metal is weak, so things like banking, cars, engineering, tech and entrepreneurs will need to keep their wits about them this year. A humanitarian and team approach will help. Water industries are weak, but look good in future years (2019 Boar). Service providers, transport, tourism and health care.

RAT:
Those born in the Year of the Rat will be the “luckiest” among the 12 animal signs. You can recover from any Horse year problems and difficulties. Life is comfortable and peaceful. Rat can recognize and capitalise on the money floating around in a Sheep year. Life will become more comfortable, and rat may find peace. 2015 will be a great year to plan a business, but launch your plans in the Monkey year 2016. Be careful of travelling frequently in 2015, due to the chance of being involved in “metal-related” accidents. You can recover from any Horse year problems and difficulties. Life is comfortable and peaceful. Rat can recognize and capitalise on the money floating around in a Sheep year. Life will become more comfortable, and rat may find peace.

Married Rats also need to be wary of third parties. Place an amethyst crystal on the side table next to your bed as it enhances fidelity.

Ox (1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
For those born in the Year of Ox, Expect delays and setbacks. Events may progress slowly, do not be too aggressive when it comes to the business opportunities. 2015 year will be a perfect time for the Oxen to lie low and then money will come at the right time. This is not be a good year to enter a new relationship. Granted that the Ox is the natural enemy of the Sheep, as it is the opposite sign. Those born under this animal sign will likely experience little or no luck when it comes to finding partners, and will need to have their health checked at the start of the year. As Sheep is your opposite, observe how Sheep thrives. Ox is hard working and Sheep is not. Under Sheep’s influence perhaps not much can be acheived, try to remain even tempered. Join the party and don’t work so hard this year.

Tiger
Anticipate a quieter year to focus on home and family. A Sheep year is favourable for relaxing travel and culinary enjoyment. Relax, unwind, and enjoy life. Your natural sociability attracts new admirers. Married Tigers will have a blissful year!

Dragon
A year of social pleasantries and moderate success in businness; when your affairs and relationships can run smoothly. It’s best to remain aloof from others’ incompetence and lack of desire to work. Enjoy life with ease and comfort. Prepare for your lucky Monkey year in 2016.

Serpent
Enjoy lively social times with your charmed circle of insiders. Art, beauty, and aesthetics are valued, which are the common interests of the Sheep and Serpent. Not much will be accomplished. Charming new friends will prove valuable in future years. Look after your immune system.

Horse
Your good luck continues from Horse year. You’ll have opportunities to complete endeavors begun in the Horse year,because Sheep year is easier for you. Don’t take on too much as this could lead to stress. Improved health, a holiday and good news come your way.

Sheep
Expect an excellent year when you receive positive attention and have good opportunities. Take a conservative approach, try to think things over before doing anything.
Sheep benefits from the creative and artistic energies of your own year. Finally, others are on your wavelength and progress is made, but avoid arguments.
Wear a Citrine stone to attract financial good luck.

Monkey
Although this is a pleasant and busy year, results may be delayed due to the actions of others. Focus on healthy eating this year. Use your natural Monkey charm to avoid confrontation, but no schemes or tricks. Time to plot, plan and keep secrets to put into action next year; the Fire Monkey year 2016.

Pheonix
Expect a safe year with less stress and fewer challenges. Others may have troubles, but you will be unaffected if you avoid getting involved in them. Possible problems with legal issues. Avoid “aggressive” sports which could lead to injury. Spend more time with your partner, if you are single you will have to make extra effort to find a mate Try some travel, rest and relaxation. In Pheonix year 2017, you’ll start a new life cycle.

Dog
Expect a mixed year, the last half will be better than the first. But at times Dog can get very pessimistic and fretful, particularly regarding finances. This is a “growing wealth” year, but be extra careful with any contracts you sign. Try to stay balanced and avoid extremes of temperament. Be flexible and diplomatic with others. the Sheep year can offer pleasant social times, relaxing holidays and home improvements.

Boar
Sheep year is very fortunate for you, both sharing a love of creativity, peace and beauty; so put your plans into action. Your ally the Sheep could bring business opportunities your way, use your intuition it could pay off handsomely. It is a good time to make new friends. Sheep happily joins Boar on all their sensual, indulgent, and erotic adventures. The rest of the world can fight for power and status Sheep and Boar will be happy eating, drinking and making merry; so you may need to watch your weight.

Think of using the Wood Sheep year qualities to your advantage this year.

Negotiation, rather than direct conflict will work better this year. Don’t butt horns with others! Make strong connections that will be useful in later years. Master the art of soft sell.

Be creative and surround yourself with lovely things. Of course avoiding debt in the process:-)

Take responsibility for your decisions, like a good shepherd.

Focus on humanitarian acts and being charitable to others.

Do not give up, be pessimistic or become discouraged in the year of the Sheep. Sheep can only move forward! This animal is unable to move backwards or sideways. There is a Chinese saying, “Three Sheep open doors to good fortune.” Three Sheep in an extended family were considered extreme good fortune and three Sheep together are a symbol of Springtime. Sheep year is most fortunate for Sheep, and for Sheep’s most compatible signs Rabbit, Horse and Boar.

I hope this has helped your understanding of the Chinese Zodiac. Personally I find that combining the information from the Chinese signs with the Western astrological signs furthers my insight and understanding of a person and their Western astrological chart.